Tecnica Cochise 120 2013

Ski boots are probably the silliest pieces of ski equipment to do a review on. As much as you want this, or want that - when it really comes down to it, you have to pick the boot that truly fits your foot. For the past 14 years I have been using Salomon boots because I have size 13 wide feet and they fit me the best. Last winter though, I was in the market for a new boot that had a walk mode and was tech compatible, which Salomon did not have. Thus, the search for a new brand of boots began. After reading way too much information, trying way too many boots on, and listening to way too many friends talk up the Cochise, I went for it.

I don't know what it is about this boot, but it seams to have the ability to fit any size of foot. My size 13 wide feet fit beautifully, while at the same time, my friends size 9 narrow feet with collapsed arches also fit beautifully (after a bit of work obviously). As far as I can tell, this boot can work for anyones feet. Which is crazy, but awesome!

As far as features go, it's quite nice. walk mode which is quite good, but not the best out there (passable to say the least), the exchangeable soles are a huge bonus - being able to use these boots in tech bindings and traditional bindings without a toe height adjuster is huge for anyone with a quiver. You CAN use the tech soles in certain downhill bindings (they work with my Dukes), but not all. By far though, what I consider the best feature of the boot is the top buckle/power strap. The ability to tighten your power strap in the morning to the desired spot and keep it there all day is awesome. When you are on the chair, or switching over to walk mode to ski somewhere, instead of constantly adjusting the power strap, you just undo the buckle it is attached to and you're in pleasure town.

In the end - the Cochise is not the lightest boot out there, it does not have the 'best' walk mode, nor is it the stiffest boot on the market. But if you are looking for a do it all, inbounds, slack, backcountry boot that is stiff enough to be aggressive (at 6'1" and 190lbs - I think it's fair to say I have truly tested out their stiffness), while not having that racer boot feel. This is not a park boot, and if you aren't going to be boot packing or touring during your ski day, I would stay away - but if you want a boot that feels right at home inbounds, but has the ability to literally take you anywhere, I highly recommend you look into this boot. As I said at the beginning of the review though - you gotta pick the boot that fits your foot, so keep that in mind when you being your search for the 'perfect' boot.

• Terrain
  Park
  Pow
• Design
  Clean
  Busy
• Durability
  Fragile
  Durable
• Weight
  Light
  Heavy
• Style
  Uncool
  Cool
• Width
  Narrow
  Wide
• Comfort
  Uncomfy
  Comfy
• Flex
  Soft
  Stiff